Waupaca #2, located in Buena Vista, Colorado, is a privately owned dam built in 1979 for irrigation purposes on the McFadden River.
Wind
Humidity
Designed by Wright Engineering, this earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet with a hydraulic height of 28 feet and a structural height of 38 feet. With a storage capacity of 27 acre-feet and a normal storage of 20 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in water management in the region.
Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Waupaca #2 is considered to have a high risk level, indicating the need for robust risk management measures. The dam, with a length of 408 feet and a surface area of 2 acres, serves multiple purposes including hydroelectric power, irrigation, and recreation. While it does not have a spillway, the dam has a spillway width of 30 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1160 cubic feet per second, ensuring the safety and stability of the structure.
Owned by a private entity and regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Waupaca #2 undergoes regular inspections with a frequency of 6 years to ensure compliance with safety standards. With its strategic location in Chaffee County and its vital role in water resource management, this dam stands as a significant landmark for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region.
Year Completed |
1979 |
Dam Length |
408 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
MCFADDEN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Drainage Area |
3 |
Nid Storage |
27 |
Structural Height |
38 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
38 |